Heartburn, acidity and burps are not a one off thing. Your stomach is trying to tell you to go easy. “The stomach is one of the most important organs of the body. It plays a vital role in digestion of foods, releases various enzymes and also protects the lower intestine from harmful organisms. The stomach connects to the esophagus above and to the small intestine below. Abdominal illnesses are common and are caused by various internal and external factors as well as have many different symptoms,” cautions this Gastroenterologist.

Here are some of the most common stomach ailments:

Reflux (Dyspepsia and Heartburn):

“Dyspepsia (indigestion) is the most common stomach ailment which affects 40-60% people at least once in a lifetime. It is characterized by persistent or occasional pain in upper abdomen or in lower chest a long with other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.”

“Heartburn can be a result of regurgitation, and esophageal irritation, while in some people heartburn is also caused by certain foods such as onion, garlic, caffeine containing drinks, tomato, vine and other alcoholic drinks etc. which greatly vary from person to person.”

“Diarrhea is another very common stomach ailments described by frequent bowel movements (stools) that are loose and watery. It is very common and usually not serious. Some people have diarrhea often as part of irritable bowel syndrome or other chronic diseases of the large intestine. It can be caused by viruses or bacterial infection, or more seriously by their toxins causing acute food poisoning.”

“During digestion, food is acted upon by enzymes present in the stomach. Undigested food travels to the small intestine and colon in liquid form. These organs begin to absorb the water turning the food into a more solid form. Viruses or bacteria can increase the liquid that is secreted and moves too quickly through the digestive track for the water to be absorbed.”Must Know Facts About Diarrhea

Constipation:

“Constipation is just the opposite of diarrhea and is caused due to inadequate water and fiber intake, a disruption of regular diet, lack of activity or exercise etc. Symptoms are easily recognized and are reported as pain, abdominal swelling and infrequency of bowel movements often the stools are very hard.”

“Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and has many causes. This inflammatory disorder of the gastric mucosa can be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis is the most common stomach disorder. Gastritis usually accompanies pernicious anemia and it is more prevalent in the elderly people but can occur at any age. Excessive intake of tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, spices and pain-killer medicines can also cause gastritis.”

Ulcer:

“Stomach ulcer also known as a gastric ulcer, is a break or defect in the mucosal lining of the stomach. Peptic ulcers develop on the inside lining of the stomach. These open sores cause abdominal pain and are not only caused by stress and poor eating habits. Most often, stomach ulcers lie undiagnosed waiting for that trigger that finally creates the drastic need to be hospitalized. In fact stomach ulcers can exist for years before your body finally succumbs to extreme symptoms such as sharp aches, bloating, vomiting blood, nausea and weight loss.”

“This is yet another common digestive ailment. Their exact cause is not clear, however genetic and hormonal factors play a role. Often gall stones are detected by chance in otherwise asymptomatic patients when they go for an ultrasound study as a part of routine examination. Occasionally they cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, jaundice and pancreatitis. Their specific treatment includes removal of the gall bladder- cholecystectomy which is done through laparoscopy which is done through laparoscopy.”

Blood in stool:

“This is an important symptom of digestive disease. Often this is associated with pain on passing stools, but most often can be painless. The causes include simple condition like haemorophoids (piles) and anal fissure. Other more serious causes are tumours both benign and malignant. Any person finding blood in his stool should not ignore this complaint and immediately report to hid doctor for evaluation.”

“Diarrhea is another very common stomach ailments described by frequent bowel movements (stools) that are loose and watery. It is very common and usually not serious. Some people have diarrhea often as part of irritable bowel syndrome or other chronic diseases of the large intestine. It can be caused by viruses or bacterial infection, or more seriously by their toxins causing acute food poisoning.”

“During digestion, food is acted upon by enzymes present in the stomach. Undigested food travels to the small intestine and colon in liquid form. These organs begin to absorb the water turning the food into a more solid form. Viruses or bacteria can increase the liquid that is secreted and moves too quickly through the digestive track for the water to be absorbed.”Must Know Facts About Diarrhea